Undergraduate Admissions Guide

Unbeatable Value

Enjoy the value

Our fees are below the average for public institutions in the state and the nation, and our room and board rates are among the lowest in the state and much lower than the national average. We also provide an extra financial boost through federal, state and institutional aid.

Annual tuition comparisons:Missouri State University: $6,793. Four-year public institutions in Missouri: $6,867. Four-year public institutions nationally: $7,605. Four-year private institutions nationally: $27,293. 75% of students receive some form of financial aid.

Missouri State:
an unbeatable value

The following compares the amount of Missouri State student fees per year for the 2012-13 academic year to the 2011-12 data from other four-year institutions, the most recent year for which comparative data is available.

Fees for 2012-2013

Fees for Missouri residents, 2012-2013

Cost SEMESTER YEAR
Required student fees $3,396 $6,792
Room and board* $3,602 $7,204
Books and supplies** $500 $1,000
Total** $7,498 $14,996

Fees for non-Missouri residents, 2012-2013

Cost SEMESTER YEAR
Required student fees $6,569 $13,138
Room and board* $3,602 $7,204
Books and supplies** $500 $1000
Total** $10,671 $21,342

Room and board

ROOM-STYLE RANGE SUITE-STYLE RANGE
$3,602 per semester $3,792-4,640 per semester
per semester

See our residence halls See all details

† Costs shown are for 2012–2013 and are subject to change. Costs are based on 15 credit hours per semester (includes student services fees). Online classes cost more than seated courses. See current costs.

* The rate for room-style residence halls with a 19-meal plan plus Boomer Meals.

** The actual cost of books will vary based on your major, course load and availability of used textbooks. The total cost can be reduced if you resell used books.

*** The basic fee is $200.48 per credit hour for Missouri residents. The fee for nonresidents is $412 per credit hour.

JQH Fountain outside of the Meyer Library

Missouri State has many scholarships, including
ones just for freshmen or transfer students.

Types of financial assistance

Grants

This is money you won’t have to pay back. Grants are usually based on financial need. They may also be given to students who are entering careers in great need of professionals.

discussion in a classroom

Loans

This is money you borrow and promise to pay back over time with interest. Most student loans have low interest rates and don’t need to be repaid until after you leave college.

inside the Office of Student Employment Services

Work study

You can offset the cost of your education by working on campus or in the community. The Office of Student Employment Services can help you find a job that fits into your school schedule.

students on walkway

My Payment Plan program

My Payment Plan allows you to pay your fees throughout the semester instead of paying upfront. For the 2012-2013 academic year, the interest rate is 1 percent each month on the unpaid balance.